WelCom March 2024
Trish Sharp
The Catholic Parish of Hastings – Te Parihi Katorika ki Heretaunga, held a wonderful celebration at a special Mass in late January to farewell departing assistant priest Fr Trung Nguyen and to welcome back Fr Marcus Francis as the new parish priest.
The persistent, heavy rain didn’t deter the crowds from attending to farewell Fr Trung at the packed Sacred Heart Church. Rather, it affirmed the special connections and relationships Fr Trung had established during his time in our parish.
Fr Trung celebrated the Mass alongside Fr Marcus and Fr Chris Martin. The youth led the beautiful singing, with the support of parish choir members.
On behalf of the parish, Brian Kelly delivered words of gratitude to Fr Trung for his ministry and service to our community and presented him with a donation and farewell cards from parishioners. In reply, Fr Trung acknowledged the contribution, commitment, generous support, and love from all parishioners during his time in the parish. He welcomed Fr Marcus back from Tararua Parish to our parish as parish priest.
Over 200 people attended the after-Mass refreshments in St Joseph School Hall, where parishioners had the opportunity to say their farewells and welcome Fr Marcus. A special thanks was given to those who organised the event, helped in the kitchen, and contributed to the meal to ‘feed the multitudes’.
Fr Trung has been appointed as assistant priest at The Catholic Parish of New Plymouth.